Onbekend(78)

‘Why are you holding yourself back?’ Arianna finally asked, understanding that they were communicating only with their minds and no blood contact.

‘It’s just a little harder with you so close,’ Andrew replied. ‘No one knows what my true power is, not even my uncle, and he’s raising me. If I let go, for even an instant, Uncle will make a claim to be the top family. With his greed, he doesn’t deserve such a high spot. I respect Gabriel, and I know he is a better fit to run the baku clan.’ The slight contempt beneath Andrew’s feelings surfaced. Arianna reached up and touched his face. It was as smooth as she imagined. Love returned to Andrew’s face as he smiled down at her.

‘Sorry,’ Arianna apologized, finally realizing how close they were standing. She tried to back away, but he wouldn’t let go. Andrew pulled her closer to kiss her. Arianna wanted to protest, but the same feelings of love she felt earlier won out. Arianna wrapped her arms around him as he lifted her off the ground, into his arms. Arianna traced the hard muscles of his chest as he pulled her on the couch on top of him. She couldn’t stop her hands as they wandered over his body. The touch of his skin made her heart flutter, but at the same time, made her want to continue. Andrew smiled at the response and kissed her again. She didn’t protest this time. He easily won his battle.

A cough behind the closed door brought Arianna back to reality. Quickly, she slid off Andrew and sat down on the ground, feeling a slight blush return to her cheeks. She tried to bring her focus beyond the door to her Uncle and waiting protectors, but the slight beating of the heart behind her kept pulling her attention. Andrew laughed aloud.

“We need to get downstairs to finish this,” Gabriel added from behind the door. Arianna stood and continued to blush as she hurried over to the door. Andrew was right behind her, now fully dressed, and back to his human form. Arianna hesitated to open the door, feeling like she just cheated on the two men on the other side. Two men that had been protecting her since the moment she joined this new bizarre world in which she was now living. Andrew stepped in front of her and opened the door. Arianna waited to feel the jealously hit her, but nothing came. Turner and Devin still were radiating the same loving feelings as before she had entered the room. Arianna turned to Turner and tried to question him, but he just smiled.

“You’re never going to be mine alone,” he replied a little reluctantly. Arianna grabbed his hand and felt the loving warmth emitted from it.

Gabriel led the group back down to the family room, where the other two purebred baku were waiting.

“What is your vote?” Gabriel asked Rafael.

“I’d say her power is double that of yours,” Rafael replied. “She will need excessive lessons on how to control it, but with even a little skill, she will surpass anyone that we’ve ever seen or even read about.”

“And yours?” Gabriel turned to Andrew’s uncle, who was now back to his greasy-haired human form also.

“I cannot render a decision. I wasn’t allowed to complete my assessment,” he replied, smiling wickedly at the three people standing behind Arianna.

“It’s taboo to drink another baku’s blood,” Turner replied.

“Not if they are offering it,” the man shot back.

“I don’t recall Arianna offering it,” Devin moved in front of Arianna slightly, challenging him. He smiled, ready for a fight. Gabriel placed his hand on Devin’s shoulder and ignored Andrew’s uncle.

“And your vote?” Gabriel turned to Andrew.

“I agree completely with Rafael,” Andrew replied. His uncle looked on in horror at the young man, as if he were committing a sin.

“Then the vote is two to one. Arianna will be given the number one position, and everyone will move down a rank,” Gabriel replied. “She will function as the head of the baku, and I’ll be her aide.”

“But,” Arianna replied. “I know nothing of this world.”

“Don’t worry,” Gabriel turned back to her. “Until you are comfortable with it, I’ll help to keep things running.” Andrew continued to ignore his glaring uncle. “So, let’s go outside and tell everyone the good news.” The three purebred baku led the way to the garden. Arianna hung behind and found herself frozen in her tracks.

“What’s wrong?” Turner asked, coming back to grab her hand and pull her along.

“There’s someone out there, sleeping, for me to feed on,” Arianna guessed about the delicious smell. “I don’t want to.”

“Sorry, but you don’t get much of a choice on that now,” Turner replied. “It’s part of who you are for the rest of your life.” Arianna remained in her spot, and even with pulling on her arm, Turner was no match for her strength in baku form. “It’s really not that bad. You feed on Devin and I all the time. Just tell them you would like to pass on that meal and have brought your own.” Arianna had to smile at the offer.